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Scrunched Cabbage Salad with Grapefruit and Chillies

This vibrant scrunched cabbage salad with grapefruit and chillies is a refreshing vegan dish that celebrates bold, bright flavours. By massaging the Chinese cabbage with vinegar and salt, the leaves lose their crunch and become beautifully tender, acting as the perfect base for the sharp citrus notes. It is a wonderful example of how simple techniques can transform humble vegetables into a sophisticated, textural side dish.

Packed with vitamin C and fresh herbs, this healthy salad works brilliantly alongside grilled proteins or as part of a plant-based spread. The combination of sweet ruby grapefruit, cooling mint and the heat from pickled chillies creates a perfectly balanced palate cleanser. Finish with a scatter of sesame salt for a nutty, savoury depth that ties the dish together.

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Ingredients for Scrunched Cabbage Salad with Grapefruit and Chillies

  • 1 head of Napa cabbage (about 900g .)

  • 60ml pickled chilli vinegar (from Pickled Hot Chillies)

  • 2 Ruby Red grapefruit

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 1 cup mint leaves

  • 1 tablespoon Pickled Hot Chillies

  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Salt

Cut cabbage in half lengthwise. Cut notch in base of each half to remove core; discard. Tear leaves into 2" irregular pieces and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and season with sea salt. Massage and scrunch cabbage firmly with your hands to soften and season leaves.

Using a sharp knife, cut peel and white pith from grapefruit; discard. Cut grapefruit into quarters, then coarsely tear quarters into chunky pieces. Remove and discard any seeds or thick membranes. Add grapefruit to bowl with cabbage. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over and toss to coat. Add mint and toss again.

Transfer salad to a large platter. Drizzle with more oil and top with pickled chillies and Sesame Salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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